What Are Cedric Tillman’s 4 Best NFL Team Fits?

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman isn’t getting enough attention in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Tillman enjoyed a 1,000-yard campaign in 2021, ending a nearly 10-year drought between Volunteers receivers and 1,000-yard seasons. An injury shortened Tillman’s 2022 season, as he was limited to six appearances and 417 yards.

A quieter campaign has made Tillman somewhat of a forgotten commodity. Tillman reintroduced himself with a fruitful showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. Tillman had a 37-inch vertical and a 10-foot-8 broad jump in Indianapolis.

Tillman is a big-bodied receiver that’s dominant at the catch point. Plenty of receiver-needy franchises could make use of Tillman’s skill set on the boundary. We’ve identified four ideal fits for Cedric Tillman.

BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills are expected to add a starting-caliber wide receiver this offseason. Bills general manager Brandon Beane has declined interest in trading for DeAndre Hopkins, nor has he signed a difference-making wideout in free agency. All signs indicate the Bills will address the position in the draft. Tillman could be a target at No. 60 overall.

Drafting a receiver would be an appropriate reaction to Gabriel Davis’ failure to maximize his opportunity as Buffalo’s No. 2 receiver in 2022. Davis lacked general consistency while hauling in just 51.6% of his targets. The Bills will respond by adding more competition to the position. Tillman would be an ideal option opposite Stefon Diggs.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers acquired the No. 1 overall selection from the Chicago Bears and had to sacrifice superstar wide receiver D.J. Moore in the process. That’s the price of hand-selecting your franchise quarterback of the future.

Moore’s departure leaves an obvious void. Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer responded well by adding Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark in free agency. More is still required, especially when considering Carolina will want to surround their rookie quarterback with a strong supporting cast.

The Panthers managed to hold onto their second-round selection in the Bears deal. No. 40 overall could be prime territory for Tillman and the Panthers.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The NFC South division is for the taking following the retirement of Tom Brady. The Saints signaled their aggressive intentions ahead of the 2023 campaign by signing free-agent quarterback Derek Carr. General manager Mickey Loomis should now shift his attention to adding more weapons to Carr’s disposal.

Chris Olave enjoyed a 1,000-yard debut campaign, and the Saints surprisingly plan to retain Michael Thomas despite previous rumors that indicated they’d be moving on. Thomas is a slot-only receiver with injury concerns, and Tillman could thrive on the boundary opposite Olave. The Saints lost quality depth in Deonte Harty and Marquez Callaway via free agency.

TENNESSEE TITANS

The Titans currently feature the least-appealing group of pass catchers across the league. New general manager Ran Carthon has declined opportunities to improve his receiver room via free agency and/or trade. The Titans must select two instant contributors at receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Titans had a front-row seat to Tillman’s dominance in Knoxville. The organization has consistently added local talents from surrounding programs since Mike Vrabel became the head coach. Tennessee’s passing offense can’t enter the 2023 campaign by simply relying on a trio of sophomores in Treylon Burks, Chigoziem Okonkwo, and Kyle Philips. Tillman could start opposite Burks while Philips occupies the slot.

The Titans are expected to draft an offensive lineman at 11th overall and a receiver in Tillman’s mold at No. 41.